Victim of Identity Theft

I received a summons for credit card debt that I did not know I had. Someone else has been using my credit cards. Any Help?

I am on Social Security because I became disabled 10 years ago. I have credit card debt because someone used my cards and I didn't know until I reviewed my credit report. I received a summons about a month ago, which I answered. I own my home and I would like to know what happens if I lose? Any help?

Published: Aug 28, 2009

If mystery accounts appear on your credit report, you may be an identity theft victim.

The FTC recommends victims take positive steps to reduce the damage.

Identity theft is a common crime in the US.

I have bad news: You may be a victim of identity theft. The good news is that you may not be held liable for the debts incurred as the result of identity theft. However, an identity theft victim must take action to be released from liability.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a US federal agency tasked to provide consumer protection, offers a Web site for businesses wanting to protect their customers from identity theft, and for consumers who either want to protect themselves from identity theft or who are victims of identity theft. Visit FTC.gov, to get detailed information about identity theft.

According to the FTC, victims of identity theft should take the following four steps:

Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports. See AnnualCreditReport.com for a no-cost credit report.

Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Contact your county bar association to learn if there is a legal aid society in your county for people with limited income. Bring all of the documents relating to the credit report and the summons to the attorney at the legal aid society to learn what your options are. In general, I urge you to appear when and where the summons states so that you can explain to the judge that you are a victim of identity theft.

Also, if you would like to learn more about how to manage your credit card debt, Bills.com has a wealth of information and advice.

Having an IRS tax lien or a State Tax Lien filed against you demands quick action. Free tips from bills.com.
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2 Comments

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JY

Jun, 2012

Julie

Waterford, NY

I was the victim of identity theft by a supposed friend of mine. She ran up a debt of over $12,000, which never showed up on my credit report until she stopped paying on it and it went to collections a few years ago. I got harrassing phone calls for the lawyer representing the debt collector, and completed all of the steps for Identity Theft. I have a letter from the law firm that they have resolved me from the debt, and was informed that this debt was removed from my credit reports. I just learned recently that it is still showing on my report in an amount over $19,000. How can I get this removed from my credit report now? I thought it was taken care of when I got the letters from the 3 credit bureaus 2 years ago. I have a credit alert on my reports. What else can I do?
Thank you.

0 Votes

BA

Jun, 2012

Bill

Is it one, two, or all three bureaus still reporting it? You need to contact any bureau that shows the debt and dispute the debt.